countyscore
55.2
County Score
Safety 86.6Property Tax 72.4Income & Jobs 69.4

County Report Card

About Natrona County, Wyoming

Matching the National Standard

Natrona County’s score of 55.2 places it slightly above the national median of 50.0. It offers a consistent quality of life that reflects its role as a regional industrial and commercial hub. The county provides a predictable American experience with manageable tradeoffs.

Competitive with State Averages

With a score of 55.2, Natrona tracks closely to the Wyoming state average of 56.5. It performs particularly well in safety compared to other urbanized areas of the state. It remains a central pillar of Wyoming’s population and economic activity.

Top-Tier Safety and Healthy Incomes

Safety is a standout feature, earning a high score of 86.6. Household incomes are solid with a median of $71,247, reflected in an income score of 69.4. These factors create a secure and prosperous environment for working residents.

Housing Affordability and Risk Factors

Affordability is a growing concern, with the cost score dropping to 27.5. Environmental or economic risk also presents a challenge, as indicated by a score of 31.1. Health metrics follow a similar moderate path with a score of 45.8.

Built for Working Families

Natrona County is a great fit for families who prioritize safety and steady employment. The $71,247 median income supports a comfortable lifestyle, even as housing costs rise. It is the definitive choice for those seeking a safe, industrious community in the heart of Wyoming.

Score breakdown

Tax72.4Cost27.5Safety86.6Health45.8Schools50.6Income69.4Risk31.1Water43.6Weather35.8
🏛72.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠27.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼69.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡86.6
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤45.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓50.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡31.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧43.6
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤35.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱30.4
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Nearby counties

Converse County
Wyoming
58.8
Washakie County
Wyoming
64.6
Johnson County
Wyoming
55.6
Carbon County
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62.4
Hot Springs County
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Fremont County
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Albany County
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Platte County
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66

Deep Dives

Natrona County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Natrona County

via TaxByCounty

Natrona's rate sits above median

Natrona County's effective tax rate of 0.618% ranks in the upper third nationally, with median taxes of $1,608 versus the national median of $2,690. Despite higher rates than many Wyoming peers, it still taxes below the national norm.

Second-highest in Wyoming

Natrona County's 0.618% effective rate ranks second-highest in Wyoming, trailing only Laramie County's 0.583%. It exceeds the state average of 0.556% by roughly 11%, making it one of the state's steeper tax environments.

Priciest in central Wyoming

Natrona County's 0.618% rate tops Hot Springs (0.561%), Johnson (0.552%), and Lincoln (0.436%), making it the most expensive option for property taxes in central Wyoming. Only Laramie and Platte counties approach its rate.

Median home costs $1,608 yearly

Natrona County residents with a median-valued property of $260,400 pay approximately $1,608 annually in taxes. With a mortgage, that figure reaches $1,631; without one, it's $1,568.

Challenge assessments aggressively

With the state's second-highest tax rate, Natrona homeowners stand to gain most from assessment corrections. Request a formal reassessment if you believe your property is overvalued—even small reductions yield substantial annual tax savings here.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Natrona County

via CostByCounty

Natrona: Slightly Above National Affordability

Natrona County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.4% sits comfortably within the national comfort zone, though median household income of $71,247 runs 5% below the national average of $74,755. Renters here face moderate pressure, neither exceptionally strained nor exceptionally comfortable by national standards.

Near-Average Affordability for Wyoming

Natrona County's 16.4% rent-to-income ratio ranks just slightly above Wyoming's state average of 15.5%, placing it firmly in the state's middle tier. Among the eight surveyed counties, Natrona represents the typical Wyoming housing market experience.

Market Rates in a Mid-Size County

Natrona's median rent of $973/month runs just 4% above the state average and reflects its position as Wyoming's second-largest metro area, anchored by Casper. Home values of $260,400 sit at the middle of the regional range, with ownership costs of $1,099/month pulling above renting by a substantial margin.

Natrona's Housing-Income Balance

Renters dedicate $973 monthly while homeowners carry $1,099, with median household income of $71,247 meaning families allocate 16.4% to rent—slightly strained but sustainable. The ownership premium of $126/month positions Natrona's housing market between pure affordability and true scarcity.

Natrona Offers Wyoming's Middle Ground

Natrona County delivers mid-market housing costs in Wyoming's second-largest job center, making it a smart option if you want regional opportunity without Laramie's premium pricing. Run the numbers against smaller counties like Platte or Lincoln to see if the extra metro amenities justify the slightly higher cost structure.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Natrona County

via IncomeByCounty

Natrona near national income median

Natrona County's median household income of $71,247 sits approximately $3,500 below the U.S. median of $74,755. The county ranks solidly in the middle of the national income distribution.

Slightly below Wyoming average

Natrona's $71,247 falls just $2,100 short of Wyoming's state average of $73,360, placing it slightly below the middle tier. The county's oil and gas economy supports incomes competitive with the state overall.

Mid-pack in the region

Natrona's $71,247 exceeds Hot Springs ($64,375) and Johnson ($63,905) but trails Laramie ($77,884) and Lincoln ($86,092). The county's central location and energy infrastructure support moderate-to-strong regional earning.

Housing costs well-controlled

Natrona's 16.4% rent-to-income ratio is healthy and below the 30% affordability threshold, leaving room for savings and discretionary spending. With median homes at $260,400, homeownership is accessible for median-income households.

Leverage stable employment income

Natrona's energy sector jobs typically offer stable, long-term income streams—ideal for consistent retirement saving and investment. Set up automatic 401(k) contributions and consider employer matching programs to accelerate wealth accumulation.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Natrona County

via CrimeByCounty

Exceptional Safety Records in Natrona

Natrona County reports a stellar safety score of 99.5, indicating a very low risk environment for residents. Its total crime rate of 300.6 per 100,000 is eight times lower than the national average.

A Top Performer in Wyoming Safety

Natrona ranks far above the state average safety score of 98.5. Its total crime rate of 300.6 is significantly lower than the Wyoming statewide average of 978.0 per 100,000.

Regional Safety Leader in Central Wyoming

Natrona County is notably safer than neighboring Johnson County, which has a crime rate of 1,054.4. Four reporting agencies coordinate effectively to keep local crime at these minimal levels.

Violent and Property Crime are Minimal

Violent crime is nearly non-existent at 34.0 per 100,000 residents. Property crime is also extremely low at 266.6, which is a fraction of the national average of 2,015.7.

Vigilance Protects the Community

Even with such low crime rates, basic home security awareness remains a smart practice. Smart locks and motion-activated lights help ensure Natrona County stays one of the safest in the state.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Natrona County

via HealthByCounty

Life expectancy trails U.S. average noticeably

Natrona County residents live to 74.9 years on average, about 4 years shorter than the U.S. average of 79 years. At 16.9%, the poor/fair health rate ranks among the highest in the nation, signaling concentrated health challenges in the county.

Below Wyoming's state health average

Natrona County's 74.9-year life expectancy falls 2.1 years below Wyoming's state average of 77.0 years. The 16.9% poor/fair health rate is the second-worst among Wyoming's sampled counties, indicating serious population health concerns.

Second-lowest life expectancy in peer group

Natrona County's 74.9-year life expectancy exceeds only Hot Springs County's 73.0 years, trailing healthier peers like Johnson County by nearly 5 years. However, mental health support is strong at 500 per 100K, though primary care access at 72 per 100K remains limited.

Moderate uninsured rate, constrained primary care

13.2% of Natrona County residents lack health insurance, slightly below Wyoming's average of 14.8%, but primary care access is thin at just 72 providers per 100K. Mental health providers are abundant at 500 per 100K, yet the stark contrast between mental health and primary care availability leaves gaps in routine medical care.

Strengthen your health coverage today

With over 1 in 8 Natrona County residents uninsured and life expectancy below state average, ensuring health coverage is critical. Reach out to healthcare.gov or your county health department to find primary care providers and enroll in a plan that works for your family.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Natrona County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Major Urban Education System

Natrona County features 28 public schools, including 19 elementary schools and 3 high schools. The county serves a large student population of 13,205 across two districts. The system is highly developed, featuring two alternative schools to meet diverse learning needs.

Solid Performance in Casper

The county maintains an 81.0% graduation rate, sitting just below the state average of 82.0%. Education is funded at $10,399 per pupil, resulting in a composite school score of 56.1. These metrics reflect a stable and well-resourced urban school environment.

Natrona County School District #1

Nearly all students—13,193 in total—are enrolled in Natrona County School District #1, which manages 27 schools. There are currently no charter schools in the county, making the main district the primary choice for local families. The Wyoming Behavioral Institute provides specialized services for a small number of students.

The Hub of City Schooling

Most students attend one of the 23 city-based schools, where the average enrollment is 472. Kelly Walsh High School is the county's largest, serving 2,051 students, followed by Natrona County High with 1,794. This provides a bustling, traditional high school experience with extensive peer groups.

Make Casper Your Home for Schooling

Real estate in Casper often centers around the high-performing high schools and diverse elementary options. Families value the wide range of programs available in Wyoming's second-largest school network. Research homes today to secure a spot in this vibrant educational community.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Natrona County

via RiskByCounty

Natrona elevated above national average

Natrona County's composite risk score of 68.86 places it significantly above the national average, though it retains a Relatively Low rating. The county faces roughly 80% more disaster risk than the safest U.S. counties.

Wyoming's second-riskiest county

Natrona County ranks second only to Laramie County in Wyoming's composite risk, scoring 68.86 against the state average of 37.86. The county's elevated risk reflects high exposure across multiple hazard types, particularly wildfires and earthquakes.

Significantly riskier than most neighbors

Natrona County's 68.86 score exceeds Park County (57.73) to the west and dwarfs Hot Springs (16.09) and Johnson (19.31) counties. Only Laramie County (76.69) faces greater overall disaster risk in the region.

Wildfires, floods, and earthquakes converge

Wildfire risk peaks at 93.03 in Natrona County—second-highest in Wyoming—while earthquake exposure reaches 82.82 and flood risk climbs to 74.71. This convergence of multiple hazards creates complex risk exposure requiring multifaceted preparation.

Comprehensive multi-hazard coverage critical

Natrona County residents face overlapping wildfire, flood, and earthquake risks that demand comprehensive insurance strategy—no single policy covers all three. Secure wildfire, flood, and earthquake insurance separately, and ensure your home's landscaping and structure meet wildfire defense standards.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Natrona County

via WeatherByCounty

A Dry and Windy Interior

Natrona County averages 45.7°F annually, staying well below the national median in a semi-arid climate. It receives just 13.1 inches of annual precipitation, making it one of the drier populated regions in the country.

Warmer than the State Baseline

With an average of 45.7°F, Natrona is nearly two degrees warmer than the 43.8°F Wyoming average. This puts Casper and the surrounding areas in the more temperate bracket of the state.

The Center of the State

Natrona County is slightly warmer than Johnson County (45.1°F) to the north. Its precipitation levels are very similar to neighboring Hot Springs County, which receives 13.3 inches of moisture.

Heavy Snow and Summer Peaks

The county sees a significant 62.2 inches of annual snowfall, one of the higher totals in the region. Summers bring 28 days of extreme heat, with July temperatures averaging a warm 70.9°F.

Manage the Snow Load

Property owners must be prepared for the heavy 62.2-inch annual snow accumulation and cold 24.7°F January lows. Air conditioning is also necessary for the nearly one month of extreme 90-degree summer days.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Natrona County

via SoilByCounty

The Alkaline Soil of Natrona

While specific local pH data is unavailable, the county generally follows the state's alkaline profile of 7.18. This is significantly higher than the national median of 6.5, favoring plants that tolerate basic soils.

Understanding Local Soil Workability

Precise percentages for sand, silt, and clay are not recorded for this area. Residents should look for signs of heavy clay which can limit drainage or high sand which requires more frequent watering.

Fertility Goals for Central Wyoming

Organic matter data is missing for the county, but the national average of 2.0% is a good minimum target. Aiming for the state average of 5.40% requires significant and consistent organic amendments.

Water Management Challenges

There are no dominant drainage classes recorded for Natrona County at this time. Proper irrigation management is critical here to prevent the buildup of minerals in the upper soil layers.

Gardening Success in Zone 5a

Natrona County is in Hardiness Zone 5a, making it suitable for cool-weather crops like broccoli and kale. Start your backyard plot now to enjoy a productive Wyoming growing season.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Natrona County

via LawnByCounty

Natrona County's Steep Lawn Learning Curve

Natrona County scores a 30.4 on the lawn difficulty scale, placing it below the Wyoming state average of 32.6. Located in hardiness zone 5a, local lawns must survive harsh winters and dry summers. Maintaining a lush lawn here requires more effort and resources than the national average.

Low Rain and Significant Heat

The county receives just 13.1 inches of annual precipitation, making it one of the drier regions in the state. With 28 extreme heat days per year, your lawn faces significant stress during the peak of summer. The 2,182 growing degree days provide a solid window for growth if you can supply enough water.

Groundwork for Growing Success

Specific soil data for pH and sand content is currently unavailable, necessitating a private soil test for accurate planning. Most local soils in this region benefit from regular aeration to help water reach the root zone. Amending the soil with compost can help mitigate the lack of natural rainfall by holding more moisture.

Conserving Water in Dry Times

Natrona County has experienced 35 weeks of drought over the past year, and 100% of the county is currently abnormally dry. Fortunately, only 2.3% of the area is in severe drought, providing some relief compared to neighboring counties. To conserve water, avoid over-fertilizing, which can increase the grass's thirst during dry spells.

Seeding for Success in Zone 5a

Kentucky Bluegrass blends are popular here, but consider drought-tolerant Sheep Fescue for a lower-maintenance alternative. Your best planting window begins after May 22, the typical date of the last spring frost. You must ensure the lawn is well-established before the first fall frost arrives around September 26.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Natrona County's county score?
Natrona County, Wyoming has a composite county score of 55.2 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Natrona County rank among counties in Wyoming?
Natrona County ranks #14 among all counties in Wyoming on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Natrona County, Wyoming?
The median annual property tax in Natrona County is $1,608, with an effective tax rate of 0.62%. This earns Natrona County a tax score of 72.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Natrona County?
The median household income in Natrona County, Wyoming is $71,247 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Natrona County earns an income score of 69.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Natrona County, Wyoming a good place to live?
Natrona County scores 55.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #14 in Wyoming. The best way to evaluate Natrona County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Natrona County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.